Fine and Studio Arts at Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,172/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 8.1x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #213 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Fine and Studio Arts graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $404K $412K $395K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.0x 8.1x 7.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.5x 3.6x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,608
Out-of-state: $115,600 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,688
-18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,625
9.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$22,401
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Program Analysis

At $24,172/yr, Fine and Studio Arts graduates from Northern Arizona University land near the $25,391 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 8.1x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 36% task exposure — and the 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $18,625 debt-to-$24,172 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #213 out of 385 programs, Northern Arizona University's financial outcomes for Fine and Studio Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Northern Arizona University

With 91% of applicants admitted, Northern Arizona University prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 23,041 in Flagstaff, AZ.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Arizona University →

Top Career Paths

Art directors $111,040/yr
Special effects artists and animators $99,800/yr
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary $80,190/yr
View all 12 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Fine and Studio Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at Northern Arizona University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Northern Arizona University's Fine and Studio Arts program score?
This program scores 28/100 — on the lower end for Fine and Studio Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →